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Eckerd College Featured by The Princeton Review and U.S. Green Building Council in Guide to 286 Green Colleges

posted on 05/11/2010

Eckerd College is one of the country's most environmentally-responsible colleges according to The Princeton Review. The nationally-known education services company selected Eckerd for inclusion in a unique resource it has created for college applicants - The Princeton Review's Guide to 286 Green Colleges. Eckerd is one of six Florida institutions to be noted for its green efforts.

Developed by The Princeton Review in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the Guide to 286 Green Colleges is the first, free comprehensive guidebook focused solely on institutions of higher education who have demonstrated an above average commitment to sustainability in terms of campus infrastructure, activities and initiatives.

From solar panel study rooms to the percentage of budget spent on local/organic food, The Princeton Review's Guide to 286 Green Colleges looks at an institution's commitment to building certification using USGBC's LEED green building certification program; environmental literacy programs; formal sustainability committees; use of renewable energy resources; recycling and conservation programs, and much more.

"According to our recent College Hope & Worries Survey, 64 percent of college applicants and their parents said having information about a school's commitment to the environment would impact their decision to apply to or attend it," said Robert Franek, senior vice president and publisher, The Princeton Review. "We created this Guide to help them evaluate how institutions like Eckerd College focus on environmental responsibility so that they can make informed decisions as they move through the college assessment and application process."

"Beyond the cost savings to an institution, even the simplest aspects of a green campus, such as increased use of natural light, have been found to improve student learning and quality of life," said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. "Green facilities make colleges more attractive to students and can dramatically reduce energy costs. Higher education is a top priority market segment for USGBC because graduates of green colleges become incredible drivers of change when they call for similar surroundings in their jobs and communities."

How the Schools Were Chosen
The Princeton Review chose the 286 schools included in the Guide based on the "Green Rating" scores the schools received in summer 2009 when The Princeton Review published Green Rating scores for 697 schools in its online college profiles and/or annual college guidebooks. The Princeton Review’s "Green Rating" is a numerical score from 60 - 99 that is based on several data points. In 2008, The Princeton Review began collaborating with USGBC to help make the Green Rating survey questions as comprehensive and inclusive as possible. Of 697 schools that The Princeton Review gave "Green Ratings" to in 2009, the 286 schools in the Guide received scores in the 80th or higher percentile. The Princeton Review does not rank the schools in this book hierarchically (1 to 286) or in any of its books based on their "Green Rating" scores.

About The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review is a New York-based company known for its test preparation, education, and college admission services. It is not affiliated with Princeton University and it is not a magazine. The Princeton Review partners with schools and guidance counselors throughout the U.S. to assist in college readiness, test preparation and career planning services, helping more students pursue postsecondary education. In fall 2009, Eckerd College was featured in the 2010 Edition of The Princeton Review's The Best 371 Colleges.

About the U.S. Green Building Council
The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. With a community comprising 80 local affiliates, more than 18,500 member companies and organizations, and more than 155,000 LEED Professional Credential holders, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion in U.S. gross domestic product from 2009 - 2013.